PYRAMID PATTERN - The Pyramids of Giza appear in the distance as a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft flies over Cairo, Egypt, during Exercise Bright Star, Oct. 15, 2009. The C-17 crew is assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Bright Star is a joint international military airdrop exercise whose purpose is to strengthen and enhance cohesiveness of participating forces. This year's participants include the United States, Egypt, Kuwait, Pakistan, Germany and Jordan. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Center has rated the C-5M as "effective, suitable and mission capable" based on results from OT&E testing completed in January 2010.The OT&E phase spanned four months, evaluating various performance aspects to validate the capability and reliability of the C-5M. These positive test results enable the Super Galaxy to continue to support critical missions flown in support of world-wide operational contingencies."The C-5M test was a resounding success because of teamwork between the test team, the user, the contractor and the program office," said Col. John Scorsone, Director of Test and Evaluation for Air Mobility Command. "The integrated test team will now transition to an integrated fielding team which will build on past relationships to help this program achieve even more record-breaking results."In addition to setting 42 world records last year, the C-5Ms delivered needed cargo to the warfighter during OT&E and continue to perform combat support missions today. Performance during OT&E proved the modernized A and B models of the C-5 are redefining strategic airlift for the military and will be a force multiplier for decades to come.Payload and range improvements in the C-5M enable a fully loaded aircraft to fly unrefueled for more than 5,000 miles and bypass traditional en route stops. This not only saves thousands of gallons of fuel, but decreases the amount of time needed to get precious cargo to the warfighter's destination."The C-5M is a game-changer and we are excited about the world record-breaking capabilities it provides those protecting freedom across the globe," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president. "We greatly appreciate the dedication and exceptional work of the Air Force active and reserve crews flying and maintaining the C-5M during OT&E."Current USAF plans call for 52 fully-modernized C-5Ms by 2016 with the next delivery scheduled for September 2010 to Dover Air Force Base, Del

| The first of a new fleet of combat rescue tankers for the U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command left Lockheed Martin’s main assembly building here, April 3.The plane is now in the painting facility, then will enter production flight testing.The aircraft represents a new configuration of the world’s most advanced airlifter and will be formally presented to the Air Force at a ceremony, April 19, then delivered later this year.The HC-130J will undergo flight testing to meet an Initial Operating Capability date in mid-2012.

12:41 GMT, May 17, 2010 Airbus Military has for the first time demonstrated in flight “buddy” refuelling between two A330 MRTT aircraft.

To-date three such flights have been performed, the latest one being part of the certification flight trials. This type of operation further illustrates the capability of the new-generation A330 MRTT tanker to refuel any kind of large receiver, even wide-body aircraft like another A330 MRTT or receiver aircraft with complex aerodynamics such as the E-3 AWACS tested in February. It also demonstrates the capability of the aircraft as a receiver and means that the A330 MRTT is now both the largest aircraft to have refuelled an A330 MRTT and the largest to have received fuel from it.

The two aircraft used for these flight trials were the first two A330 MRTTs built for the Royal Australian Air Force. They are both now being used in the final stages of the certification programme due for completion in the next months.

During the flights, performed over the Gulf of Cadiz in southern Spain, fuel was passed from the refuelling aircraft´s Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) to the receiving aircraft´s Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI).

Programme director Airbus Military Derivatives, Antonio Caramazana, said: “This latest flight demonstrates the ability of the A330 MRTT to refuel a true widebody aircraft and to conduct buddy-buddy refuelling between two tankers, which is a vital enabler for even longer range deployments.”

The A330 MRTT

The Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is the most capable new generation aircraft in this category flying and available today. The large 111 tonnes/ 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in Air-to-Air Refuelling missions without the need for any additional fuel tanks. The A330 MRTT is offered with a choice of proven air-to-air refuelling systems including an advanced Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and/or a pair of under-wing hose and drogue pods, and/or a Fuselage Refuelling Unit.

Alenia’s C-27J puts on a stunning display of agility for such a large aircraft

Alenia Aeronautica (Stand 2N1) is exhibiting the C-27J here at AAD as part of a wider campaign to bring this stateof- the-art airlifter to the African market. Its appearance at the show is a prelude to a week of trials to be undertaken at Waterkloof, during which the South African Air Force and Army will test some of its capabilities.

“We believe Africa is the market of the future,” said Luciano Fava, senior VP, international sales, “and South Africa in particular.” The C-27J is being demonstrated here as being a potential answer for South Africa’s yet-tobe- determined transport requirements. During the Waterkloof trials next week, the aircraft will, in essence, be turned over to the SANDF to use “just as if it was an SAAF asset,” said Fava. “They can use it how they want and do whatever tests they want.”

Trials will naturally focus on the type’s tactical airlift credentials, such as short-field operations, and will include special forces support and paratroop drops.

“We feel there is a strong requirement for special forces capability,” added Gianluca Evangelisti, senior VP, flight operations for Alenia North America. “The C-27J has an excellent navigation suite, which you need for this role.”

Alenia believes the C-27J is ideal for operators across the continent. “We have logged a lot of experience in this environment and we have brought that to the C-27J,” said Evangelisti. As well as many hours gathered on the G222 (the forerunner of the C-27), the Italian air force has operated the new model on humanitarian missions in places such as Mali.

The loading system is very easy to use and the aircraft can be maintained in austere conditions, without the need in many cases to access the central computer. It has outstanding performance for an aircraft of its class, with an impressive rate of climb for small arms fire evasion. The aircraft features a lowaltitude parachute extraction system (LAPES) air-drop capability that can be very useful for missions where landing is not possible, but where accuracy of delivery is required, such as humanitarian aid distribution.

The C-27J's advanced navigation equipment and autopilot and long endurance mean it also has an inherent maritime patrol capability. Alenia has already developed a palletised raft-drop system for maritime search and rescue missions and could provide a rollon maritime surveillance system if required. The company has also undertaken engineering studies to show that a ramp-mounted hose-drogue unit could provide a single-point refuelling capability for helicopters. It can also be used as a forward refuelling point at austere locations for helicopters. Maximum range for ferrying is about 3,200 nautical miles, while operational range with a typical load is more than 2,000 nautical miles.

While South Africa is a key target for Alenia Aeronautica, the aircraft has aroused significant interest throughout Africa. Morocco is the first African nation to acquire the type, having received the first of four C-27Js in June, and could look to increase its fleet further. Strong opportunities with real requirements exist in Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Libya and Nigeria. The last two both already operate the earlier G222 and are in the market for a replacement.

Lockheed Martin marked a treble milestone in its C-130 Hercules programme during a 23 September delivery ceremony conducted at its Marietta, Georgia production site.

In handing over its first of a planned 18 new HC-130J combat tankers to the US Air Force’s Air Combat Command (ACC) organisation, the company also celebrated the delivery of its 200th new-generation “Super Hercules”.

First flown in late July, the HC-130J also became the 1,500th Hercules to have been handed over to a US government customer during the type’s more than 50-year production history, Lockheed says.

The new model will begin replacing the ACC’s legacy fleet of more than 30 HC-130N/Ps, with initial operational capability expected during 2012. The type will be used to support combat search and rescue (CSAR) and personnel recovery operations, for example by delivering inflight refuelling support for Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk CSAR helicopters.

Lockheed is also currently preparing to deliver its first C-130J-30 to the Indian air force, with the service’s first example having recently undergone its first engine runs.

DRS Technologies, Alenia Announce Joint Development of a Portable Maintenance Unit for the C-27J

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and ROME | DRS Technologies and Alenia Aeronautica, both Finmeccanica companies, announce the joint development of a portable maintenance unit specially designed for the C-27J multipurpose cargo aircraft, for testing of onboard aircraft systems, loading of aircraft software, supporting ground maintenance and training activities.

Alenia Aeronautica tested various systems to find a rugged mobile solutions provider capable of delivering a portable maintenance support unit and DRS Technologies answered with its ARMORTM X10gx tablet PC. This product has performed throughout various trials and demonstrations and has been selected by Alenia.

DRS customized the new ARMORTM X10gx tablet PC to reduce the use of external components thereby increasing the integrated system’s capabilities for use on the Alenia Aeronautica C-27J cargo aircraft.

The PMU is similar in size to an 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper and weighs approximately 4.5 pounds with a sunlight readable display. Certified to MIL-STD-810G and IP67, the unit is extremely rugged and capable of surviving drops and vibration, extreme hot and cold temperatures and high humidity, and is fully sealed providing protection from the intrusion of water and sand.

Alenia Aeronautica is already offering the ARMORTM X10gx PMU on some C-27J airplanes for logistics support, in replacement of the previous Portable Maintenance Aid system which was heavier and provided less capability in the form of its interface and reporting function.

MARIETTA, Ga., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) rolled out the first aircraft in a new fleet of MC-130J Combat Shadow IIs for the U.S. Air Force's Special Operations Command (AFSOC) during a ceremony here today.Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster, commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, was the keynote speaker at the event."The MC-130J is one of the most versatile tactical airlifters in the world. Its multi-mission capabilities will increase the combat performance of special operations forces worldwide," Wurster said. "The MC-130J's advanced sensors, expanded avionics and universal aerial refueling capability will enable the highly skilled Airmen of AFSOC to operate under difficult conditions with unmatched speed and capability."Lockheed Martin is contracted to build 15 MC-130Js to begin replacing the current aging fleet. The U.S. Air Force is authorized to acquire up to 20 MC-130Js against an approved requirement for 37."As the most flexible airlifter in the world, this new Combat Shadow configuration demonstrates the unmatched platform capability of the Super Hercules," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. "As recent events around the world have yet again shown us, the C-130 is the world's first responder. The C-130J is performing today and will be ready for whatever the future holds."The new aircraft is based on a KC-130J tanker baseline and will have the Enhanced Service Life Wing, Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (boom refueling receptacle), more powerful electrical generators, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems operator station on the flight deck and provisions for the large aircraft infrared countermeasures system. In-line production of this configuration reduces cost and risk, and meets the required 2012 Initial Operational Capability.Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.comSOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics CompanyBack to topRELATED LINKShttp://www.lockheedmartin.com